Speech-driven environmental control systems - a qualitative analysis of users' perceptions

Purpose. To explore users' experiences and perceptions of speech-driven environmental control systems (SPECS) as part of a larger project aiming to develop a new SPECS. The motivation for this part of the project was to add to the evidence base for the use of SPECS and to determine the key design specifications for a new speech-driven system from a user's perspective. Method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 users of SPECS from around the United Kingdom. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using a qualitative method based on framework analysis. Results. Reliability is the main influence on the use of SPECS. All the participants gave examples of occasions when their speech-driven system was unreliable; in some instances, this unreliability was reported as not being a problem (e.g., for changing television channels); however, it was perceived as a problem for more safety critical functions (e.g., opening a door). Reliability was cited by participants as the reason for using a switch-operated system as back up. Benefits of speech-driven systems focused on speech operation enabling access when other methods were not possible; quicker operation and better aesthetic considerations. Overall, there was a perception of increased independence from the use of speech-driven environmental control. Conclusions. In general, speech was considered a useful method of operating environmental controls by the participants interviewed; however, their perceptions regarding reliability often influenced their decision to have backup or alternative systems for certain functions

A usability assessment of a specific alternative computer input device for users with spinal cord injuries

The salient point of this research was to investigate the key factors of assistive devices for people with severe physical disabilities, i.e. spinal cord injury, when selecting and using an input device. The area of study was also concerned with validating a new computer device to enable those individuals with upper-limb impairments to engage the benefits of computer technology, via both user-issue and scientific-based evaluations. A specific methodology, concermng both user-Issue and scientific-evidence, was proposed for the studies related to assistive technology outcome measures. In order to validate the proposed methodology, the research work began with an in-depth survey (Study A), to give an insight into the present selection and utilisation of input devices among those computer users with spinal cord injuries and identify their specific needs when using a computer. Following the findings of this contextual survey, a SCI users' needs hierarchy was proposed for input device selection and use. Specific touchscreen devices, which matched the criteria in the hierarchy, were suggested as a possible solution for users with severe upper-limb disorders. Then, a series of user-centred validation studies, involving a pilot simulation study associated with a dimensional issue of an input device (Study B), followed by usability evaluations at the introductory phase (Study C), after short-term use and training (Study D) and after longer-term use and outcome comparisons (Study E), were carried out. The user perspectives and scientific data obtained from the usability assessments form the SCI subjects were used not only to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistive device, but also to fill the gap between the merely psychological/psychosocial-based measures and the merely scientific-focus evaluation. By merging a specific research technique and a systematic measuring procedure, a conceptual model for evaluating assistive technology outcome measures has been provided for this field of study. Moreover, this research has shown that the integration of user-issue and scientific-evidence can increase the reliability and validity of this type of device outcome measures and, therefore, attain a good match between users and the technology employed

Modelo explicativo de deficiência em população com transtornos mentais graves atendida em uma instituição especializada da cidade de Cali (Colômbia)

Introducción: en Colombia, según la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Mental realizada en 2015, la prevalencia de vida de depresión mayor, trastorno afectivo bipolar y esquizofrenia es del 9,1 %, 1,3 % y 1 %, respectivamente. Estos trastornos mentales graves se caracterizan por ser asumidos desde una postura nosográfica que no incorpora la interacción entre el contexto y la persona. La discapacidad es una dimensión de los trastornos mentales graves, y requiere ser investigada desde herramientas como la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, de la Discapacidad y de la Salud. Conocer su frecuencia y los factores personales y ambientales que la explican puede facilitar la implementación de estrategias para mejorar la calidad de vida de esta población. Materiales y métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio, observacional, de corte transversal, para determinar la prevalencia y describir el aporte de variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicosociales en un modelo explicativo de discapacidad en personas con trastornos mentales graves que asisten a servicios de salud mental y psiquiatría de una institución especializada de Cali (Colombia). Resultados: el 65,9 % de la muestra presenta algún grado de discapacidad; el 46,2 %, discapacidad moderada; el 19,4 %, discapacidad severa; y el 0,4 %, discapacidad extrema. El modelo explicativo incluye el aporte de variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicosociales. Conclusión: este estudio demuestra que la frecuencia de discapacidad en la población con TMG es recurrente, y al parecer poco estudiada, vinculando el desempeño desde cada dominio que hace parte de la vida diaria. Los resultados de la investigación permiten identificar el aporte de factores personales y ambientales en la discapacidad experimentada por esta población en Cali.Introduction: In Colombia, according to the National Mental Health Survey conducted in 2015, the lifetime prevalence of major depression, bipolar affective disorder, and schizophrenia is 9.1 %, 1.3 %, and 1 %, respectively. These severe mental disorders (SMD) are characterized by being assumed from a nosographic stance that does not incorporate the interaction between the context and the person. Disability is a dimension of severe mental disorders, and it needs to be investigated using tools such as the International Classification of the Functioning of Disability and Health. Knowing their frequency and personal and environmental factors that explain them can facilitate the implementation of strategies to improve the quality of life of this population. Materials and methods: An exploratory, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and to describe the contribution of socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables in an explanatory model of disability in people with severe mental disorders, attended in the mental health and psychiatry services of a specialized institution in Cali, Colombia. Results: From the sample, 65.9 % showed some degree of disability; 46.2 %, moderate disability; 19.4%, severe disability, and 0.4 %, extreme disability. The explanatory model includes the contribution of socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. Conclusion: This study shows that the frequency of disability in the population with SMD is recurrent, and little studied linking performance from each domain that is part of daily life. The results of the investigation allow identifying the contribution of personal and environmental factors in the disability experienced by this population in Cali.Introdução: na Colômbia, segundo o Inquérito Nacional de Saúde Mental realizado em 2015, a prevalência de vida de depressão maior, transtorno afetivo bipolar e esquizofrenia são de 9,1 %, 1,3 %, e 1 %, respetivamente. Estes transtornos mentais graves se caracterizam por serem assumidos desde uma postura nosográfica que não incorpora a interação entre o contexto e a pessoa. A deficiência é uma dimensão dos transtornos mentais graves, e requere ser pesquisada desde ferramentas como a Classificação Internacional do Funcionamento da Deficiência e da Saúde. Conhecer sua frequência e os fatores pessoais e ambientais que a explicam, pode facilitar a implementação de estratégias para melhorar a qualidade de vida desta população. Materiais e métodos: se realizou um estudo exploratório, observacional, de corte transversal, para determinar a prevalência e descrever o aporte de variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e psicossociais em um modelo explicativo de deficiência em pessoas com transtornos mentais graves que assistem a serviços de Saúde Mental e Psiquiatria de uma instituição especializada de Cali, Colômbia. Resultados: o 65,9 % da amostra apresenta algum grau de deficiência. O 46,2 % deficiência moderada, o 19,4 % deficiência severa, e o 0,4 % deficiência extrema. O modelo explicativo inclui o aporte de variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e psicossociais. Conclusão: este estudo demostra que a frequência de deficiência na população com tmg é recorrente, e aparentemente pouco estudada, vinculando o desempenho desde cada domínio que faz parte da vida diária. Os resultados da pesquisa permitem identificar o aporte de fatores pessoais e ambientais na deficiência experimentada por esta população em Cali

Screen navigation system for visually impaired people

Purpose – The SETUP09 system consists of both navigation and a computer-aided drawing technique for the people who are blind and visually impaired (BVI). The purpose of this paper is to address the need for a screen navigation technique, which can facilitate a user’s ability to produce art, and scientific diagrams electronically, by introducing a compass-based screen navigation method. Design/methodology/approach – BVI computer users were tested using different screen navigation tasks to assess the accuracy and efficiency of this compass-based navigation technique by using a prototype (SETUP09) and tactile paper grid maps. Findings – The results confirmed that the compass-based navigation facilitates higher accuracy in screen-based moving and location recognition with a noticeable reduction in time and effort. Research limitations/implications – Additional improvements such as the addition of a sound layer to the interface, use of hotkeys, braille and user speech inputs are yet to be tested. Social implications – The current lack of suitable and efficient screen navigation technology is a limiting factor for BVI students and computer users in producing diagrams and drawings. This may place limitations on their career progression and life contentment. It is challenging for a BVI person to draw diagrams and art, which are commonly taught in education or used in industry. The compass-based screen navigation system was developed to address BVI users’ need to be able to create such content. Originality/value – A compass-based navigation method enables screen navigation through a formal command language and enables intuitive movement to a screen location using matrix-style compass directions with zoom-in and zoom-out capabilities

Human Machine Interaction

In this book, the reader will find a set of papers divided into two sections. The first section presents different proposals focused on the human-machine interaction development process. The second section is devoted to different aspects of interaction, with a special emphasis on the physical interaction

Advanced and natural interaction system for motion-impaired users

Human-computer interaction is an important area that searches for better and more comfortable systems to promote communication between humans and machines. Vision-based interfaces can offer a more natural and appealing way of communication. Moreover, it can help in the e-accessibility component of the e-inclusion. The aim is to develop a usable system, that is, the end-user must consider the use of this device effective, efficient and satisfactory. The research's main contribution is SINA, a hands-free interface based on computer vision techniques for motion impaired users. This interface does not require the user to use his upper body limbs, as only nose motion is considered. Besides the technical aspect, user's satisfaction when using an interface is a critical issue. The approach that we have adopted is to integrate usability evaluation at relevant points of the software developmen

The meaning of environmental control systems (ECS) for people with spinal cord injury: An occupational therapist explores an intervention

Environmental Control Systems (ECS), enable people with high cervical Spinal Cord Injury (high SCI) to control and access everyday electronic devices. In Ireland, however, access for those who might benefit from ECS is limited. This study used a qualitative approach to explore the insider experience of an ECS starter-pack developed by the author, an occupational therapist. The primary research questions: what is it really like to live with ECS, and what does it mean to live with ECS, were explored using a phenomenological methodology conducted in three phases. In Phase 1 fifteen people with high SCI met twice in four focus groups to discuss experiences and expectations of ECS. Thematic analysis (Krueger & Casey, 2000), influenced by the psychological phenomenological approach (Creswell, 1998), yielded three categories of rich, practical, phenomenological findings: ECS Usage and utility; ECS Expectations and The meaning of living with ECS. Phase 1 findings informed Phase 2 which consisted of the development of a generic electronic assistive technology pack (GrEAT) that included commercially available constituents as well as short instructional videos and an information booklet. This second phase culminated in a one-person, three-week pilot trial. Phase 3 involved a six person, 8-week trial of the GrEAT, followed by individual in-depth interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis IPA (Smith, Larkin & Flowers, 2009), aided by computer software ATLAS.ti and iMindmap, guided data analysis and identification of themes. Getting used to ECS, experienced as both a hassle and engaging, resulted in participants being able to Take back a little of what you have lost, which involved both feeling enabled and reclaiming a little doing. The findings of this study provide substantial insights into what it is like to live with ECS and the meanings attributed to that experience. Several practical, real world implications are discussed